Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Online Reporter
THE Government has expressed serious concern over the growing disconnect between academic qualifications and the practical skills required by Zimbabwe’s industries, warning that the mismatch is stalling economic growth and leaving graduates ill-equipped for the job market.
Skills Audit and Development Minister, Professor Paul Mavima, said while many Zimbabweans pursue academic credentials, a significant number of graduates lack the hands-on skills needed to meet the demands of modern workplaces.
He was speaking at the recently held Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) 2025 Annual Congress held in Victoria Falls.
“There is a gap in all engineering disciplines, agriculture, agronomy, mining, and health – all the medical professions.
“We have also seen overreliance on certificates. People going after certificates and not necessarily skills and competence.
“Everyone wants to be a master, everyone wants to be a doctor, but when you ask them exactly what it is that they can do, you find out that the answers are not very clear.”
Prof Mavima cited findings from the 2018 National Skills Audit and the 2024 stakeholder skills landscape report, both of which exposed worrying shortages across key sectors.
He said the misalignment between education and industry needs was not only hurting job seekers but also making it difficult for employers to find suitably qualified personnel.
“We have seen a skills mismatch produced by the academic institutions and those demanded by the industry,” he said.
“There is a need for more dialogue between industry and academia. There is also limited innovation-driven industrialisation.”
Prof Mavima called for greater collaboration between academic institutions and industry, urging education providers to design programmes that deliver both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
He emphasised the need for education reform that prioritises skills-based learning, competency development and innovation-driven industrialisation.
Business leaders attending the conference called for a re-evaluation of the education system to focus more on applied learning, internships and on-the-job training.
The Government is already pushing for a coordinated response that includes revamping curricula, expanding vocational training and strengthening public-private partnerships to align educational output with labour market needs.
